Touch window and touch device including the same

ABSTRACT

Disclosed is a touch window including a substrate, an electrode part on the substrate, a wire electrically connected with the electrode part, a wire pad to connect the wire with the electrode part, and a reinforcement electrode making contact with the wire pad. Provided is a touch device including a touch window, and a driving unit on the touch window, in which the touch window includes an electrode part to sense a position, a wire electrically connected with the electrode part, a wire pad to connect the wire with the electrode part, and a reinforcement electrode making contact with the wire pad.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. § 119 to KoreanApplication No. 10-2014-0004112 filed on Jan. 13, 2014, whose entiredisclosure is hereby incorporated by reference.

BACKGROUND

1. Field

The disclosure relates to a touch window and a touch device includingthe same.

2. Background

Recently, a touch panel, which performs an input function through thetouch of an image displayed on a touch device by an input device, suchas a stylus pen or a finger, has been applied to various electronicappliances.

The touch panel may be representatively classified into a resistivetouch panel and a capacitive touch panel. The resistive touch paneldetects the position of a touch by detecting resistance varianceoccurring according to the connection between electrodes when pressureis applied by the input device. The capacitive touch panel detects theposition of the touch by detecting capacitance variation between theelectrodes when the finger is touched on the touch panel. Recently, thecapacitive touch panel has been spotlighted in a small-model device bytaking into consideration the convenience in the manufacturing schemeand a sensing power.

Meanwhile, an electrode part of the touch panel is electricallyconnected with a wire, and the wire is connected with an externalcircuit, so that the touch panel can be driven. In this case, theelectrode part and the wire may be disconnected from each other due tothe variation in a design or the density. In addition, the wire may notbe smoothly electrically connected with the wire, so that thecharacteristic of the touch panel may be degraded.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The embodiments will be described in detail with reference to thefollowing drawings in which like reference numerals refer to likeelements wherein:

FIG. 1 is a plan view schematically showing a touch window according tothe embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a plan view showing a touch window according to oneembodiment.

FIG. 3 is a sectional view taken along line I-I′ of FIG. 2.

FIGS. 4 to 7 are sectional views showing touch windows according toother embodiments.

FIG. 8 is a plan view showing a touch window according to anotherembodiment.

FIGS. 9 to 12 are views showing a touch device in which the touch windowaccording to the embodiment is provided on a driving part.

FIGS. 13 to 16 are views to explain a display device employing the touchwindow according to the embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the following description of the embodiments, it will be understoodthat, when a layer (or film), a region, a pattern, or a structure isreferred to as being “on” or “under” another substrate, another layer(or film), another region, another pad, or another pattern, it can be“directly” or “indirectly” on the other substrate, layer (or film),region, pad, or pattern, or one or more intervening layers may also bepresent. Such a position of the layer has been described with referenceto the drawings. The thickness and size of each layer (or film), eachregion, each pattern, or each structure shown in the drawings may bemodified for the purpose of convenience or clarity of the explanation.In addition, the size of elements does not utterly reflect an actualsize.

In the following description of the embodiments, it will be understoodthat, when a layer (or film), a region, a pattern, or a structure isreferred to as being “on” or “under” another substrate, another layer(or film), another region, another pad, or another pattern, it can be“directly” or “indirectly” on the other substrate, layer (or film),region, pad, or pattern, or one or more intervening layers may also bepresent. Such a position of the layer has been described with referenceto the drawings.

In the following description, when a part is connected to the otherpart, the parts are not only directly connected to each other, but alsoindirectly connected to each other while interposing another parttherebetween. In addition, when a predetermined part “includes” apredetermined component, the predetermined part does not exclude othercomponents, but may further include other components unless otherwiseindicated.

Hereinafter, the embodiment will be described with reference toaccompanying drawings.

A touch window according to the embodiment will be described below withreference to FIGS. 1 to 3.

Referring to FIG. 1, a touch window 10 according to the embodimentincludes a substrate 100 having an active area AA to detect the positionof an input device (e.g., finger) and an unactive area UA provided at aperipheral portion of the active area AA.

In this case, an electrode part 200 may be formed in the active area AAto detect the input device. In addition, a wire 300 may be formed in theunactive area UA for the electrical connection of the electrode part200. In addition, an external circuit, which is connected with the wire300, may be positioned in the unactive area UA.

If the input device, such as a finger, touches the touch window, thevariation of capacitance occurs in the touched part by the input device,and the touched part subject to the variation of the capacitance may bedetected as a touch point.

Hereinafter, the details of the touch window 10 will be described inmore detail.

The substrate 100 may include various materials to support the electrodepart 200, the wire 300, and a circuit board. For example, the substrate100 may be rigid or flexible. For example, the substrate 100 may includea glass substrate or a plastic substrate. In detail, the substrate 100may include chemically tempered/semi-tempered glass, such as soda limeglass or aluminosilicate glass, reinforced/flexible plastic, such aspolyimide (PI), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), propylene glycol(PPG), or poly carbonate (PC), or sapphire.

In addition, the substrate 100 may include an optically isotropic film.For example, the substrate 100 may include cyclic olefin copolymer(COC), cyclic olefin polymer (COP), optically isotropic polycarbonate(PC), or optically isotropic PET.

The sapphire 100 has superior electric characteristics, such aspermittivity, so that a touch response speed may be greatly increasedand a space touch such as hovering may be easily implemented. Inaddition, since the sapphire has high surface hardness, the sapphire isapplicable to a cover substrate. The hovering refers to a technique ofrecognizing coordinates even at a slight distance from a display.

In addition, the substrate 100 is bendable with a partially curvedsurface. In other words, the substrate 100 is bendable while a portionof the substrate 100 has a flat surface and another portion of thesubstrate 100 has a curved surface. In detail, an end portion of thesubstrate 100 may be bent with a curved surface or may be curved or bentwith a surface having a random curvature.

In addition, the substrate 100 may include a flexible substrate having aflexible property.

In addition, the substrate 100 may include a curved substrate or abended substrate. In other words, the touch window including thesubstrate 100 may be formed with a flexible, curving, or bendingcharacteristic. Accordingly, the touch window according to theembodiment can be easily carried by a user and may be modified to touchwindows having various designs.

The outer dummy layer is formed in the unactive area UA of the substrate100. The outer dummy layer may be coated with a material having apredetermined color so that the wire 300 and a printed circuit boardconnecting the wire 300 to the external circuit cannot be viewed fromthe outside. The outer dummy layer may have a color suitable for adesired outer appearance thereof. For example, the outer dummy layerincludes black or white pigments to represent black or white. Inaddition, various colors are employed so that various colors, such asred and blue, can be represented. In addition, a desired logo may beformed in the outer dummy layer through various schemes. The outer dummylayer may be formed through deposition, print, and wet coating schemes.The outer dummy layer may be provided in at least one layer. Forexample, the outer dummy layer may be provided in one layer or may beprovided in at least two layer having widths mutually different fromeach other.

Thereafter, the electrode part 200 may be formed in the active area AAto detect the input device.

Although FIG. 2 shows that the electrode part 200 is formed in the shapeof a bar, the embodiment is not limited thereto. Accordingly, theelectrode part 200 may be formed in various shapes to detect the touchby the input device, such as a finger.

Although FIG. 2 shows that the electrode part 200 extends in onedirection, the embodiment is not limited thereto. Therefore, theelectrode part 200 may include two types of electrode parts, in whichone type of an electrode part extends in one direction, and the othertype of electrode part extends in a different direction crossing the onedirection.

If the input device, such as a finger, touches the touch window, thevariation of capacitance occurs in the touched part by the input device,and the touched part subject to the variation of the capacitance may bedetected as a touch point.

The electrode part 200 may include a conductive pattern. For example,the electrode part 200 may be provided in a mesh shape. In this case,the mesh shape may be randomly formed to prevent a Moire phenomenon. TheMoire phenomenon occurs when striped patterns are overlapped with eachother. As adjacent striped patterns are overlapped with each other, thethickness of the striped patterns is increased, so that the overlappedstriped patterns more stand out as compared with other strippedpatterns. In order to overcome the Moire phenomenon, various conductivepatterns may be provided.

In detail, the electrode part 200 includes a conductive pattern openingOA and a conductive pattern line part LA. In this case, the line widthT1 of the conductive pattern line part LA may be in the range of 0.1 μmto 10 μm The conductive pattern line part LA having the line width T1 of0.1 μm or less may not be formed due to the characteristic of themanufacturing process or may cause the short between mesh lines. If theline width T1 exceeds 10 μm the electrode pattern is viewed from theoutside so that the visibility may be degraded. Preferably, the linewidth T1 of the conductive pattern line part LA may be in the range of0.5 μm to 7 μm More preferably, the line width T1 of the conductivepattern line part LA may be in the range of 1 μm to 3.5 μm

Meanwhile, as shown in FIG. 2, the conductive patterns may be regularlyformed. In other words, the conductive pattern opening OA may have theshape of a rectangle, but the embodiment is not limited thereto. Theconductive pattern opening OA may have various shapes such as apolygonal shape including a diamond shape, a pentagonal shape, or ahexagonal shape, or a circular shape.

In addition, the embodiment is not limited thereto, but the conductivepatterns may have irregular shapes. In other words, various conductivepattern openings may be provided in one conductive pattern. Therefore,the electrode part 200 may include conductive pattern openings havingvarious shapes.

As the electrode part 200 has the mesh shape, the pattern of theelectrode part 200 may not be viewed in the active area AA. In otherword, even if the electrode part 200 includes metal, the pattern of theelectrode part 200 may not be viewed. In addition, even if the electrodepart 200 is applied to a large touch window, the resistance of the touchwindow may be lowered. Further, the electrode part 200 includes aconductive pattern to improve printing quality, so that the high-qualitytouch window can be ensured.

Referring to FIG. 3, the electrode part 200 may include a firstsub-pattern 211, a second sub-pattern 212, and an electrode layer 220.

The first sub-pattern 211 is provided on the substrate 100. The firstsub-pattern 211 is provided in the mesh line part LA. Accordingly, thefirst sub-pattern 211 may be provided in the mesh shape. The firstsub-pattern 211 may be an embossed pattern.

The second sub-pattern 212 is provided on the substrate 100. The secondsub-pattern 212 is provided in the mesh opening OA. Accordingly, thesecond sub-pattern 212 may be interposed between first sub-patterns 211.The second sub-pattern 212 may be an embossed pattern. The secondsub-pattern 212 may be formed an area other than the electrode part 200.The second sub-pattern 212 may be formed in the active area AA and theunactive area UA.

The first sub-pattern 211 and the second sub-pattern 212 may includeresin or polymer.

The electrode layer 220 is provided on the first sub-pattern 211.Accordingly, the electrode layer 220 is provided on the mesh line partLA. The electrode layer 220 may be provided in the mesh shape. Theelectrode layer 220 may include various metals representing superiorelectricity. For example, the electrode layer 220 may include Cu, Au,Ag, Al, Ti, Ni, or the alloy thereof.

Meanwhile, the embodiment is not limited thereto, but the conductivepattern may be provided in an intaglio pattern. In detail, referring toFIG. 4, a resin layer 150 may be provided on an electrode substrate 130,and may include an intaglio part 150 a. In this case, the electrodelayer 220 may be provided in the intaglio part 150 a. In other words,the electrode part 200 may be formed by filling an electrode materialinto the intaglio part 150 a. Therefore, when comparing conventionaldeposition and photolithography processes, the number of processes, theprocess time, and the process cost can be reduced.

Referring to FIG. 5, the electrode part 200 having a conductive patternmay be formed by etching a metallic material on the electrode substrate130. For example, after depositing copper (Cu) on the electrodesubstrate 130 including poly(ethylene terephthalate), the copper layeris etched to form a copper metal mesh electrode having an embossed meshshape.

Referring to FIG. 6, the electrode part 200 may include aninterconnecting structure 222. The interconnecting structure 222 mayinclude a fine structure having a diameter in the range of 10 nm to 200nm. For example, the interconnecting structure 222 may have a finestructure having a diameter in a range of 20 nm to 100 nm. For example,the electrode part 200 may include a nanowire. The electrode part 200may include a metallic nanowire.

Referring to FIG. 7, the electrode part 200 may include a base material221 and a nanowire 222. The base material 221 includes a photosensitivematerial. The base material 221 includes the photosensitive material, sothat the electrode part 200 may be formed through the exposure anddevelopment processes.

The electrode part 200 may include a photosensitive nanowire film. Theelectrode part 200 includes the photosensitive nanowire film, so thatthe thickness of the electrode part 200 may be reduced. In other words,the electrode part 200 may include nanowires and the whole thickness ofthe electrode part 200 may be reduced. According to the related art,when the electrode part 200 includes nanowires, an overcoating layermust be additionally formed to prevent the nanowires from beingoxidized. Accordingly, the processes may be complicated, and thethickness of the touch window may be increased. However, according tothe present embodiment, the nanowires are provided in the photosensitivematerials, so that the nanowires can be prevented from being oxidizedwithout the overcoating layer.

Subsequently, a wire 300 is provided on the unactive area UA for theelectrical connection of the electrical part 200. In other words, thewire 300 may apply an electrical signal to the electrode part 200. Forexample, the wire 300 may include chromium (Cr), nickel (Ni), copper(Cu), aluminum (Al), silver (Ag), molybdenum (Mo), and the alloythereof. In particular, the wire 300 may include various metallic pastematerials allowing a printing process.

A wire pad 350 is interposed between the electrode part 200 and the wire300. The wire pad 350 may electrically connect the electrode part 200with the wire 300. The wire pad 350 may include a material the same asor similar to a material constituting the wire 300.

Meanwhile, the reinforcement electrode 250 is interposed between theelectrode part 200 and the wire 300. The reinforcement electrode 250directly makes contact with the electrode part 200. The reinforcementelectrode 250 directly makes contact with the wire pad 350. In addition,the reinforcement electrode 250 may be provided on the electrode part200. In detail, the reinforcement electrode 250 may be provided on theelectrode layer 220.

The reinforcement electrode 250 may include a material the same as orsimilar to a material of the electrode part 200.

The reinforcement electrode may include a conductive pattern. Thereinforcement electrode 250 may be provided in a mesh shape. Theconductive pattern of the reinforcement electrode 250 may be differentfrom that of the electrode part 200. In other words, a pattern of thereinforcement electrode 250 may be different from that of the electrodepart 200.

The conductive pattern of the reinforcement electrode 250 may be formedthrough a scheme the same as or similar to that used to form aconductive pattern of the electrode part 200. In other words, as shownin FIG. 3, the reinforcement electrode 250 may be formed by first andsecond sub-patterns. In addition, as shown in FIG. 4, the reinforcementelectrode 250 may be formed by filling an electrode material in anintaglio pattern. Further, as shown in FIG. 5, the reinforcementelectrode 250 may be formed through an etching process. In addition, asshown in FIG. 6, the reinforcement electrode 250 may be formed using aninterconnecting structure. Further, as shown in FIG. 7, thereinforcement electrode 250 may be formed by using a photosensitivenanowire film.

The reinforcement electrode 250 includes an edge pattern 250 e tosurround an edge of the reinforcement electrode 250. The electricalcharacteristic of the reinforcement electrode 250 may be improvedthrough the edge pattern 250 e.

Meanwhile, a length L1 of the reinforcement electrode 250 may be shorterthan a length L2 of the wire pad 350. Therefore, the reinforcementelectrode 250 may make contact with a portion of the wire pad 350.

In detail, a reinforcement area RA, which is defined between the wirepad 350 and the electrode part 200, may include a contact area TA and anon-contact area NTA.

The contact area TA is an area in which the reinforcement electrode 250is provided. Meanwhile, the non-contact area NTA is provided adjacent tothe contact area TA. In other words, the non-contact area NTA is an areain which the reinforcement electrode 250 is not provided. Non-contactareas NTA may be provided up and down the contact area TA.

A dummy pattern DP may be further provided in the non-contact area NTA.In other words, the dummy pattern DP may be provided at an end portionof the reinforcement electrode 250. The dummy pattern DP is a patternthat does not serve as an electrode. The electrode layer 220 of theelectrode part 200 may have a fine line width due to the dummy patternDP. The dummy pattern DP may be a portion of the second sub-pattern 212.In other words, the second sub-pattern 212 may include the dummy patternDP.

Therefore, the number of mesh lines making contact with the wire 300 isincreased due to the reinforcement electrode 250, so that the electrodepart 200 can be prevented from being disconnected from the wire 300. Inaddition, the rapid density change between the electrode part 200 andthe wire 300 can be reduced due to the reinforcement electrode 250, sothat the electrical characteristic can be improved.

In addition, the reinforcement electrode 250 can sufficiently ensure thecontact area of the wire 300. In other words, when comparing with thecase that the electrode part 200 is directly connected with the wire300, the contact area can be more increased since the electrode part 200is connected with the wire 300 through the reinforcement electrode 250.Therefore, the reinforcement electrode 250 prevents the disconnectionbetween the electrode part 200 and the wire 300, so that the electricalcharacteristic of the touch window can be improved. In addition, even ifthe electrode layer 220 of the electrode part 200 is cracked, theelectrode part 200 may be electrically connected with the wire 300through the reinforcement electrode 250, so that the reliability of theelectrode part 200 may be improved. The electrode pad 400 may beconnected with a printed circuit board. Although not shown in drawings,a connector is positioned on any one surface of the printed circuitboard, and the electrode pad 400 may be connected with the connector.The electrode pad 400 may have a size corresponding to that of theconnector.

The printed circuit board may employ various types of printed circuitboards. For example, a flexible printed circuit board (FPCB) may beemployed.

Hereinafter, a touch window according to another embodiment will bedescribed with reference to FIG. 8. In the following description, thedetails of the structures and the components the same as or similar tothose described above will be omitted for the clear and briefexplanation.

A wire pad 351 of the touch window according to another embodimentincludes a conductive pattern. In other words, the wire pad 351 may havea mesh shape. The conductive pattern of the wire pad 351 may bedifferent from the conductive pattern of the reinforcement electrode250. In other words, patterns to form the wire pad 351 and thereinforcement electrode 250 may be different from each other.

The conductive pattern of the wire pad 351 may be formed through ascheme the same as or similar to that used to form a conductive patternof the electrode part 200. In other words, as shown in FIG. 3, the wirepad 351 may be formed by the first and second sub-patterns. In addition,as shown in FIG. 4, the wire pad 351 may be formed by filling anelectrode material in an intaglio pattern. Further, as shown in FIG. 5,the wire pad 351 may be formed through an etching process. In addition,as shown in FIG. 6, the wire pad 351 may be formed by using aninterconnecting structure. Further, as shown in FIG. 7, the wire pad 351may be formed by using a photosensitive nanowire film.

The wire pad 351 includes a conductive pattern, so that the wire pad 351is not viewed. Therefore, a Bezel, which is used to hide the wire pad351, may be omitted. Accordingly, a wider active area AA can be ensured.In addition, the electrical characteristic can be improved due to thewire pad 351.

FIGS. 9 to 12 are views showing a touch device in which the touch windowaccording to the embodiment is provided on a driving part.

Referring to FIGS. 9 and 10, the touch device according to theembodiment may include a touch panel provided on a display panel 600.

In detail, referring to FIG. 9, the touch device may be formed bycombining the substrate 100 with the display panel 600. The substrate100 may be bonded to the display panel 600 through an adhesive layer700. For example, the substrate 100 may be combined with the displaypanel 600 through the adhesive layer 700 including an optical clearadhesive (OCA).

Referring to FIG. 10, when a substrate 100 is additionally provided onthe substrate 100, the touch device may be formed by combining thesubstrate 110 with the display panel 600. The substrate 110 may becombined with the display panel 600 through the adhesive layer 700including the OCA.

The display panel 600 may include first and second substrates 610 and620.

When the display panel 600 is a liquid crystal display panel, thedisplay panel 600 may be formed in a structure in which the firstsubstrate 610 including a thin film transistor (TFT) and a pixelelectrode is combined with the second substrate 620 including a colorfilter layer while the first and second substrates 610 and 620 interposea liquid crystal layer therebetween.

In addition, the display panel 600 may be a liquid crystal display panelhaving a COT (color filter on transistor) structure in which the secondsubstrate 620 is combined with the first substrate 610 on which a thinfilm transistor, a color filter and a black matrix are formed while aliquid crystal layer is interposed between the first and secondsubstrates 610 and 620. That is, the thin film transistor is formed onthe first substrate 610, the protective layer is formed on the thin filmtransistor, and the color filter layer is formed on the protectivelayer. In addition, the pixel electrode making contact with the thinfilm transistor is formed on the first substrate 610. In this case, inorder to improve an aperture rate and simplify a mask process, the blackmatrix may be omitted and a common electrode may be formed to serve asthe black matrix.

In addition, when the display panel 600 is a liquid crystal panel, thedisplay device may further include a backlight unit for providing lightfrom the rear surface of the display panel 600.

When the display panel 600 is an organic light emitting device, thedisplay panel 600 includes a self light-emitting device which does notrequire any additional light source. A thin film transistor is formed onthe first substrate 610 of the display panel 600, and an organic lightemitting device (OLED) making contact with the thin film transistor isformed. The OLED may include an anode, a cathode and an organiclight-emitting layer formed between the anode and the cathode. Inaddition, the second substrate 620 may be further formed on the organiclight demitting device to perform the function of an encapsulationsubstrate for encapsulation.

Referring to FIG. 11, the touch device according to the embodiment mayinclude a touch panel integrated with the touch panel 600. In otherwords, a substrate to support at least one sensing electrode may beomitted.

In detail, at least one sensing electrode may be provided on at leastone surface of the display panel 600. In other words, at least onesensing electrode may be formed on at least one surface of the substrate610 or the second substrate 620.

Referring to FIG. 11, a first sensing electrode 210 may be provided onone surface of the substrate 100. In addition, a first wire connectedwith the first sensing electrode 210 may be provided. In addition, asecond sensing electrode 215 may be provided on one surface of thedisplay panel 600. In addition, a second wire connected with the secondsensing electrode 215 may be provided.

The adhesive layer 700 is interposed between the substrate 100 and thedisplay panel 600, so that the substrate 100 can be combined with thedisplay panel 600.

In addition, the polarizing plate may be provided under the substrate100. The polarizing plate may be a linear polarizing plate or ananti-reflection polarizing plate. For example, when the display panel600 is a liquid crystal display panel, the polarizing plate may be alinear polarizing plate. In addition, when the display panel 600 is anorganic electroluminescent display panel, the polarizing plate may be ananti-reflection polarizing plate.

According to the touch device of the embodiment, at least one substrateto support the sensing electrode may be omitted. Accordingly, a thin andlight touch device may be formed.

Referring to FIG. 12, a touch device according to the embodiment mayinclude a touch panel formed integrally with the display panel 600. Inother words, a substrate to support at least one sensing electrode maybe omitted.

A sensing electrode, which serves as a sensor disposed in an active areato sense a touch, and a wire to apply an electrical signal to thesensing electrode may be formed inside the display panel. In detail, atleast one sensing electrode or at least one wire may be formed insidethe display panel.

The display panel includes first and second substrates 610 and 620. Inthis case, at least one of the first and second sensing electrodes 210and 215 is disposed between the first and second substrates 610 and 620.That is, at least one sensing electrode may be formed on at least onesurface of the first or second substrate 610 or 620.

Referring to FIG. 12, the first sensing electrode 210 may be provided onone surface of the substrate 100. In addition, the first wire connectedwith the first sensing electrode 210 may be provided. In addition, thesecond sensing electrode 215 and the second wire may be interposedbetween the first and second substrates 610 and 620. In other words, thesecond sensing electrode 215 and the second wire are provided inside thedisplay panel, and the first sensing electrode 210 and the first wiremay be provided outside the display panel.

The second sensing electrode 215 and the second wire may be provided onthe top surface of the first substrate 610 or the rear surface of thesecond substrate 620.

A polarizing plate may be additionally provided under the substrate 100.

When the display panel is a liquid crystal display panel and the sensingelectrode is formed on the top surface of the first substrate 610, thesensing electrode may be formed together with a thin film transistor(TFT) or a pixel electrode. In addition, when the sensing electrode isformed on the rear surface of the second substrate 620, a color filterlayer may be formed on the sensing electrode or the sensing electrodemay be formed on the color filter layer. When the display panel is anorganic light emitting device and the sensing electrode is formed on thetop surface of the first substrate 610, the sensing electrode may beformed together with a thin film transistor or an organic light emittingdevice.

According to the touch device of the embodiment, at least one substrateto support the sensing electrode may be omitted. Accordingly, a thin andlight touch device may be formed. In addition, the sensing electrode andthe wire are formed together with the device formed on the displaypanel, so that the process can be simplified and the cost can bereduced.

FIGS. 13 to 16 are views to explain a display device employing the touchwindow according to the embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 13, a mobile terminal is shown as an example of atouch device. The mobile terminal may include an active area AA and anunactive area UA. In the active area AA, a touch signal generated due tothe touch by a finger is sensed, and a command icon part and a logo maybe formed in the unactive area UA.

Referring to FIG. 14, a touch window may include a flexible touchwindow. Accordingly, the touch device including the flexible touchwindow may be a flexible touch device. Accordingly, a user may curve orbend the touch device with a hand. The flexible touch window may beapplied to a wearable touch scheme.

Referring to FIG. 15, the touch window may be applied to a vehiclenavigation as well as the touch device such as the mobile terminal.

Referring to FIG. 16, the touch window may be applied into a vehicle. Inother words, the touch window may be applied to various parts in thevehicle, which allow the application of the touch window. Accordingly,the touch window is applied to a dashboard as well as a PND (PersonalNavigation Display), thereby realizing a CID (Center InformationDisplay). However, the embodiment is not limited to the embodiment. Inother words, the display may be used in various electronic products.

The embodiment provides a touch window having improved reliability and atouch device including the same.

According to the embodiment, there is provided a touch window includinga substrate, an electrode part on the substrate, a wire electricallyconnected with the electrode part, a wire pad to connect the wire withthe electrode part, and a reinforcement electrode making contact withthe wire pad.

According to the embodiment, there is provided a touch device includinga touch window, and a driving unit on the touch window. The touch windowincludes an electrode part to sense a position, a wire electricallyconnected with the electrode part, a wire pad to connect the wire withthe electrode part, and a reinforcement electrode making contact withthe wire pad.

As described above, the touch window according to the embodimentincludes the reinforcement electrode interposed between the electrodepart and the wire. The reinforcement electrode can ensure the sufficientcontact area with the wire. In other words, when comparing with the casethat the electrode part is directly connected with the wire, the contactarea can be more increased since the electrode part is connected withthe wire through the reinforcement electrode. The reinforcementelectrode can prevents the electrode part from being disconnected fromthe wire, so that the electrical characteristic of the touch window canbe improved. Even if the electrode part is cracked, the electrode partcan be electrically connected with the wire through the reinforcementelectrode, so that the reliability of the electrode part can beimproved.

In particular, when the electrode part has the mesh shape, the rapiddensity change between the electrode part and the wire can be reduceddue to the reinforcement electrode, so that the electricalcharacteristic can be improved.

Any reference in this specification to “one embodiment,” “anembodiment,” “example embodiment,” etc., means that a particularfeature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with theembodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the invention. Theappearances of such phrases in various places in the specification arenot necessarily all referring to the same embodiment. Further, when aparticular feature, structure, or characteristic is described inconnection with any embodiment, it is submitted that it is within thepurview of one skilled in the art to effect such feature, structure, orcharacteristic in connection with other ones of the embodiments.

Although embodiments have been described with reference to a number ofillustrative embodiments thereof, it should be understood that numerousother modifications and embodiments can be devised by those skilled inthe art that will fall within the spirit and scope of the principles ofthis disclosure. More particularly, various variations and modificationsare possible in the component parts and/or arrangements of the subjectcombination arrangement within the scope of the disclosure, the drawingsand the appended claims. In addition to variations and modifications inthe component parts and/or arrangements, alternative uses will also beapparent to those skilled in the art.

What is claimed is:
 1. A touch window comprising: a substrate; anelectrode part on the substrate; a reinforcement electrode on thesubstrate; a wire on the substrate; a wire pad on the substrate; and anouter dummy layer on the substrate, wherein the electrode part includesfirst and second sensing electrodes, wherein the first sensing electrodeextends in a first direction, wherein the second sensing electrodeextends in a second direction that crosses the first direction, whereinthe wire includes a first wire electrically connecting with the firstsensing electrode, and a second wire electrically connecting with thesecond sensing electrode, wherein the reinforcement electrode includes afirst reinforcement electrode connecting with the first sensingelectrode, and a second reinforcement electrode connecting with thesecond sensing electrode, wherein the wire pad includes a first wire padconnecting with the first wire, and a second wire pad connecting withthe second wire, wherein the first wire pad electrically connects thefirst wire and the first reinforcement electrode, wherein the secondwire pad electrically connects the second wire and the secondreinforcement electrode, wherein the first reinforcement electrodeelectrically connects the first wire pad and the first sensingelectrode, wherein the second reinforcement electrode electricallyconnects the second wire pad and the second sensing electrode, wherein alength of the first reinforcement electrode is less than a length of thefirst wire pad, wherein a length of the second reinforcement electrodeis less than a length of the second wire pad, wherein a first electrodepad electrically connects the first wire and a circuit board, whereinthe first and second sensing electrodes include a conductive pattern,and wherein the conductive pattern of the first and second sensingelectrodes includes an opening and a line part, wherein the first andsecond sensing electrodes, the first and second reinforcementelectrodes, and the first and second wires are positioned on a samesurface of the substrate.
 2. The touch window of claim 1, wherein thefirst and second reinforcement electrodes include a conductive pattern,and wherein the conductive pattern of the first and second reinforcementelectrodes differs from the conductive pattern of the first and secondsensing electrodes.
 3. A touch device comprising: a first substrate; athin film transistor on the first substrate; an organic light emittingdevice on the thin film transistor; an encapsulation layer on theorganic light emitting device; and a touch electrode on theencapsulation layer, wherein the organic light emitting device includesa self light-emitting device, wherein the touch electrode includes: anelectrode part on the encapsulation layer; a reinforcement electrode onthe encapsulation layer; a wire on the encapsulation layer; a wire padon the encapsulation layer; and an outer dummy layer on theencapsulation layer, wherein the electrode part includes first andsecond sensing electrodes, wherein the first sensing electrode extendsin a first direction, wherein the second sensing electrode extends in asecond direction that crosses the first direction, wherein the wireincludes a first wire electrically connecting with the first sensingelectrode, and a second wire electrically connecting with the secondsensing electrode, wherein the reinforcement electrode includes a firstreinforcement electrode connecting with the first sensing electrode, anda second reinforcement electrode connecting with the second sensingelectrode, wherein the wire pad includes a first wire pad connectingwith the first wire, and a second wire pad connecting with the secondwire, wherein the first wire pad electrically connects the first wireand the first reinforcement electrode, wherein the second wire padelectrically connects the second wire and the second reinforcementelectrode, wherein the first reinforcement electrode electricallyconnects the first wire pad and the first sensing electrode, wherein thesecond reinforcement electrode electrically connects the second wire padand the second sensing electrode, wherein a length of the firstreinforcement electrode is less than a length of the first wire pad,wherein a length of the second reinforcement electrode is less than alength of the second wire pad, wherein a first electrode padelectrically connects the first wire and a circuit board, wherein thefirst and second electrodes include a conductive pattern, and whereinthe conductive pattern of the first and second sensing electrodesincludes an opening and a line part, wherein the first and secondsensing electrodes, the first and second reinforcement electrodes, andthe first and second wires are positioned on a same surface of thesubstrate.
 4. The touch window of claim 1, wherein a width of the firstwire pad is less than a width of the first reinforcement electrode, andwherein a width of the second wire pad is less than a width of thesecond reinforcement electrode.
 5. The touch window of claim 1, whereinthe first and second sensing electrodes, the first and secondreinforcement electrodes, the first and second wires, and the first andsecond wire pads include metal.
 6. The touch window of claim 1, whereinthe substrate has a flat surface and a curved surface, and wherein adistal end of the substrate is bent corresponding to the curved surface.7. The touch window of claim 1, wherein the substrate includes at leastone of a glass or polyethylene terephthalate (PET).
 8. The touch deviceof claim 3, wherein the first and second sensing electrodes, the firstand second reinforcement electrodes, the first and second wires, and thefirst and second wire pads include metal.
 9. The touch device of claim3, wherein a width of the first wire pad is less than a width of thefirst reinforcement electrode, and wherein a width of the second wirepad is less than a width of the second reinforcement electrode.
 10. Thetouch device of claim 3, wherein the electrode part includes metal,wherein each of the first and second sensing electrodes and the firstand second reinforcement electrode includes a first material, andwherein each of the first and second wire pads and the first and secondwires includes a second material.
 11. The touch device of claim 3,wherein the first reinforcement electrode directly contacts the firstsensing electrode and the first wire pad, wherein the secondreinforcement electrode directly contacts the second sensing electrodeand the second wire pad.
 12. The touch device of claim 3, wherein theencapsulation layer has a flat surface and a curved surface, and whereina distal end of the substrate is bent corresponding to the curvedsurface.
 13. The touch device of claim 3, wherein the touch electrode ispositioned above the encapsulation layer, wherein the first substrate ispositioned under the encapsulation layer, wherein the thin filmtransistor is positioned above the first substrate.
 14. The touch deviceof claim 3, further comprising a cover substrate, wherein an adhesivelayer between the cover substrate and the encapsulation layer, furthercomprising a polarizing plate between the cover substrate and theencapsulation layer.
 15. A touch window comprising: a substrate; anelectrode part on the substrate; a reinforcement electrode on thesubstrate; a wire on the substrate; a wire pad on the substrate; and anouter dummy layer on the substrate, wherein the electrode part includesfirst and second sensing electrodes, wherein the first sensing electrodeextends in a first direction, wherein the second sensing electrodeextends in a second direction that crosses the first direction, whereinthe wire includes a first wire electrically connecting with the firstsensing electrode, and a second wire electrically connecting with thesecond sensing electrode, wherein the reinforcement electrode includes afirst reinforcement electrode connecting with the first sensingelectrode, and a second reinforcement electrode connecting with thesecond sensing electrode, wherein the wire pad includes a first wire padconnecting with the first wire, and a second wire pad connecting withthe second wire, wherein the first wire pad electrically connects thefirst wire and the first reinforcement electrode, wherein the secondwire pad electrically connects the second wire and the secondreinforcement electrode, wherein the first reinforcement electrodeelectrically connects the first wire pad and the first sensingelectrode, wherein the second reinforcement electrode electricallyconnects the second wire pad and the second sensing electrode, wherein areinforcement area is defined between the wire pad and the electrodepart, and includes a contact area and a non-contact area, wherein thecontact area contacts with the electrode part, wherein the non-contactarea is adjacent to the contact area, a dummy pattern that does notcontact the electrode part is provided in the non-contact area, whereinthe dummy pattern is provided at an end portion of the reinforcementarea, a first electrode pad electrically connects the first wire and acircuit board, wherein the first and second sensing electrodes include aconductive pattern, wherein the conductive pattern of the electrode partfirst and second sensing electrodes includes an opening and a line part,wherein a width of the line part is the range of 1 um to 3.5 um, whereinthe conductive pattern of the first and second sensing electrodesincludes a diamond shape or rectangle shape, wherein the substrate has aflat surface and a curved surface, wherein a distal end of the substrateis bent corresponding to the curved surface, and wherein lengths of thefirst reinforcement electrode and the second reinforcement electrode areless than lengths of the first wire pad and the second wire pad, whereinthe first and second sensing electrodes, the first and secondreinforcement electrodes, and the first and second wires are positionedon a same surface of the substrate.
 16. The touch window of claim 15,wherein a width of the first wire pad is less than a width of the firstreinforcement electrode, wherein a width of the second wire pad is lessthan a width of the second reinforcement electrode.
 17. The touch windowof claim 15, wherein the first and second sensing electrodes, the firstand second reinforcement electrodes, the first and second wire, and thefirst and second wire pad include metal.
 18. The touch window of claim15, wherein the first and second reinforcement electrodes include aconductive pattern, wherein the conductive pattern of the first andsecond reinforcement electrodes is different from the conductive patternof the first and second sensing electrode.
 19. The touch window of claim15, wherein lengths of the first and second reinforcement electrodes areless than lengths of the first and second wire pads.
 20. The touchwindow of claim 15, wherein the length of the first reinforcementelectrode is greater than a width of the first reinforcement electrode,and the length of the second reinforcement electrode is greater than awidth of the second reinforcement electrode.
 21. The touch window ofclaim 15, wherein the first sensing electrode, the first reinforcementelectrode, and the first wire are positioned on a same plane.
 22. Thetouch window of claim 15, wherein the dummy pattern contacts the wirepad.
 23. The touch window of claim 1, wherein the length of the firstreinforcement electrode is greater than a width of the firstreinforcement electrode, and the length of the second reinforcementelectrode is greater than a width of the second reinforcement electrode.24. The touch device of claim 3, wherein the length of the firstreinforcement electrode is greater than a width of the firstreinforcement electrode, and the length of the second reinforcementelectrode is greater than a width of the second reinforcement electrode.